10 Tips on How to Become a Better Designer

Interior design is the combination of balance, functionality, and beauty that you are able to implement into a space. If you want to learn how to become a better designer, you have to focus on the client you are designing for. With these 10 quick tips, you’ll understand what it really takes to design the perfect space for your clients and how to really hone in on your skills.

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10 tips on how to become a better designer

1. Use a design strategy

Learning how to become a better designer starts with planning and strategizing. You need to have a clear design strategy in place, one that revolves around satisfying the needs of your client.

Understand and identify the needs of your clients

Find out how you can help solve their problem (not enough storage, no seating area, not enough counter space, no proper flow, etc.)

Come up with creative and innovative solutions

Keep fundamental interior design principles in mind

2. Stop and listen

One of the main things to keep in mind is to listen to what your clients have to say. Sure, you’re the expert and you probably know better, but there might be things you miss if you don’t take the time to listen.

Ask relevant questions

Have a 2-way conversation with your clients

Listen to what your clients have to say

Try not to talk about yourself too much

Ask your clients about themselves (lifestyle, likes & dislikes, etc.)

3. Know your stuff

Part of learning how to become a better designer is knowing your stuff. When you meet with a client, you’ll be expected to answer questions and to know what you’re talking about.

4. Keep your promises

There’s nothing worse than telling your client you can accomplish something when you know you can’t. Don’t close a deal if you know you’re not a good match and cannot fulfil your client’s needs.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep

If you won’t be able to deliver, it’s ok to say no

Sometimes it’s ok to turn a customer away

It’s better to say no than to end up with an angry/disappointed customer

5. Attend tradeshows

Pinterest and interior design magazines are great sources of inspiration, but there’s nothing quite like attending a tradeshow to really shake things up.

Experience different designs

Learn about new technology

Change your perception of design

Learn about new trends

6. Embrace technology

If you want to stay ahead of the game, you’re going to have to embrace technology. There’s no way around it, and the faster you use and implement technology, the better. Technology can help your customer visualize their space.

10. Inspire yourself

Being an interior designer can sometimes be lonely and isolating. You spend hours (or days!) designing on your computer or sketching, and you might end up feeling discouraged if your client doesn’t like your designs.